Join us
Freelancer
FAQ
Join Us
Freelancer FAQ
We are not currently accepting new member applications.
We anticipate opening our doors for new consultants to join us later in 2024. Please follow us on LinkedIn to hear when we are next accepting applications.
What are the main advantages of joining The Difference Collective?
Working for us is different from working for a traditional agency. You’ll be an independent healthcare communications consultant working flexibly on your terms, so you choose your hours and place of work. Rather than going it alone, you get the support and camaraderie of a virtual community, teammates and the opportunity for relevant work for your skills and aspirations.
It’s all the good stuff from the life and culture of a terrific agency without the ties and constraints:
• Premium project work opportunities
• Collaborative project working
• A community for idea generation and sharing
• Internal and external training
• IR35 and related industry legal/HR support and advice
• Networking opportunities and Collective meetings
• Discounted professional services, e.g. insurance and accountancy
• Membership of industry bodies, e.g. PRCA and HCA
• Access to a list of preferred suppliers
• Access to a media database (when working on client projects)
• IT support for TDC work
Does it cost me anything to join?
Yes. Annual membership to The Difference Collective is £150 + VAT. And when you work on a client project, we deduct 3% from your day rate as a project admin charge.
You set your own day rate: you can take into account these charges if you want to.
As a member, what will the Collective expect from me?
Engagement and collaboration are fundamental to working Collectively. We’re at our best when members have a genuine interest in contributing to The Difference Collective rather than simply meeting an expectation. That’s why we favour applications from those who are looking to be an active member of our community rather than simply considering us as a jobs board.
There are a few specific requirements:
-
attend an induction session to become familiar with our proposition and ways of working
-
embrace our Members’ Engagement Charter, which outlines our terms of reference and explains our Collective culture and behaviours so our clients have a consistent and excellent experience in every interaction
-
work collaboratively with your team members
-
always be respectful, responsive and honest
-
update your LinkedIn profile to include The Difference Collective and engage with our posts to support us on social media
-
access our collaboration platform Basecamp at least once a week (via a browser or the app) and engage with the community there
-
engage with and contribute to the relevant specialist topic groups for your skills and interests
-
read and share our newsletter
-
regularly attend virtual coffee mornings or other social engagements
-
provide annual updates to the information we hold on file